Tips on balancing family and a career: A recap of Christie Rampone’s Twitter chat

In September, we hosted a Twitter chat with Christie Rampone about balancing family and a career all while maintaining your health. In case you missed it, below is a recap of some of the questions asked by our Twitter followers and the responses from Christie. On December 17, we will be hosting another chat with Christie Rampone on our Facebook page. Stay tuned for more details!

Q1: I have trouble balancing school and soccer at the same time. How do you manage your career and family? – Nina G.

Christie: My soccer schedule is determined by the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), so any free time is for family. I try to adapt and always be in the moment.

Q2: Which obstacle would you say helped define you as a person and USWNT player? – Stephen G.

Christie: Tearing my ACL in 2001 inspired me to work harder & appreciate my opportunity to play for the USWNT. I became more committed than ever before.

Q3: Where do you find the fight to come back from 2 children and still be the most inspiring captain this sport has ever seen?

Christie: I enjoy discovering new possibilities by pushing myself. I think everyone should be positive and test your limits.

Q4: What helps you balance being a pro and a mom at the same time? – Maria C.

Christie: I try to be a good role model for my girls while pursuing my career & dreams. Hopefully life lessons are learned throughout our journey.

Q5: After you had your children, did you have any second thoughts about going back to soccer? Why or why not? – Alyssa T.

Christie: Yes & No. I was more concerned about the lifestyle w/ constant travel & being separated from each other than soccer. But they love it!

Q6: How do you prioritize which school functions to miss for the girls or which soccer games to miss? – bechillgirl

Christie: I don't prioritize. Whenever I can be there for the kid's school functions, sports & activities -- that will always be my first choice.

Q7: How do you handle your public persona when you are out spending time with your children and husband? – Margaret F.

Christie: I try my best to embrace the public & acknowledge any fans that approach me or my family. It's nice to hear stories & share excitement.

Q8: What are some of the best life lessons your kids have learned from your teammates? – Carla K.

Christie: Being accountable, flexible, independent & vocal are some of the things they have learned. Also, understanding situations & culture.

Q9: Does having such an amazing career and being gone for periods of time make spending time with family more special? – Elishua L.

Christie: Yes! It makes fun family activities even more exciting -- whether it’s a bike ride, the beach or a vacation to Disney. Great moments!

Q10: How do you actively stay involved in your girls’ lives and play at the same time? – Danielle T.

Christie: Whether on the road w/ USWNT or at home, my focus turns to the girls when soccer is over. I participate in their schools & activities.

Q11: How do you stay well during the season, especially with all the travel and time changes? – Adam M.

Christie: I take EpiCor, FRS, stay hydrated, sleep & take advantage of recovery techniques. Adapting to time change quickly helps as well.

Q12: What is the one thing you couldn't do without to help you get through everything in one piece? – Michelle N.

Christie: My health - taking care of myself so I can get the job done on the field and be a Mom off the field. Eat right & proper rest!

Q13: How does your diet change in the off-season? What are the best vitamins for staying healthy? – Sara B.

Christie: My diet doesn't change but I consume less food in off- season. I try to acquire vitamins through healthy eating & take EpiCor & FRS.

Q14: What's it like being the oldest, fittest, and fastest player on the team? How do you maintain your speed? – Isabella D.

Christie: It's amazing to think how long I've been on the USWNT. Hopefully I'm contributing each day, helping younger players. Cross training!